Trump says he is 'not joking' about third presidential term

Republican President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was not joking about seeking a third presidential term, which is barred by the U.S. Constitution, but that it was too early to think about doing so.

Trump, who took office on January 20 for his second, non-consecutive White House term, has made vague allusions to seeking a third one but addressed it directly on Sunday in a telephone interview with NBC News.

"No, I'm not joking. I’m not joking," Trump said, but "it is far too early to think about it."

"There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know," he said. He declined to elaborate on any specific methods.

U.S. presidents are limited to two four-year terms, consecutive or not, according to the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

'He who saves his Country does not violate any Law'

Trump's comments follow his February social media post where he echoed Napoleon Bonaparte, writing "He who saves his Country does not violate any Law." This statement drew criticism from Democrats, including Senator Adam Schiff who called it language befitting "a true dictator."

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers "Trump Will Fix It" remarks during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., October 29, 2024. Reuters

The president has faced multiple legal challenges over his broad assertions of executive power, with some lawsuits accusing him of overstepping constitutional boundaries. While Trump has stated he abides by court rulings, his administration has been critical of judicial constraints.

After surviving an assassination attempt last July, Trump connected his political mission to a higher purpose, stating that "God spared my life for a reason, and that reason was to save our country."